Albany, NY - November 22, 2016 - Continuing efforts to keep hunters and the public informed about possible wildlife regulation changes, DEC has posted several ideas that are under consideration for 2017.

Prior to initiating a formal rulemaking process, DEC routinely seeks public input regarding concerns or interest in potential changes to regulations. In many situations, DEC uses scientific surveys to gather public opinion about potential rule changes. In other cases, DEC communicates informally through e-mails, letters, or meetings in response to ideas and suggestions. In all situations, it is helpful to obtain informal feedback to gauge public interest and support, and to learn of any concerns that may exist, before the formal rulemaking process is initiated.

DEC invites informal feedback regarding several issues: (1) prohibiting feeding wild white-tailed deer, (2) issuing permits for 4-Poster TickicideTM and 4-PosterTM deer treatment devices, (3) strengthening measures to protect New York deer from Chronic Wasting Disease, (4) eliminating the special permit for hunting and trapping bobcats in the Harvest Expansion Area, and (5) closing the season for take of diamondback terrapin.

These ideas are not formal proposals at this time, just options being considered as potential changes for 2017. Please see online to read the details of each issue and to provide feedback.